El Shaarawy commits to Milan

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has revealed Stephan El Shaarawy has turned down a lucrative offer from a Premier League club to stay with Milan.

El Shaarawy joined Milan from Genoa.

El Shaarawy was the focus of widespread interest until committing himself to the Rossoneri after talks with Galliani and honorary president Silvio Berlusconi. Prior to that meeting, Galliani had received an offer which matched the club's valuation, but it did not tempt the 20-year-old into a move.

Galliani is now looking forward to seeing the Italy international spearheading the Rossoneri attack in tandem with fellow Azzurri Mario Balotelli this season.

"El Shaarawy and Balotelli are great friends and if there's any problem, then it is of a tactical nature and not because of their character," he said. "We received a huge offer for Stephan and he said the money he earns at Milan is enough for him.

"He's a fan of this club and he is more than happy here. I'm convinced he will play a great season."

By turning down such an offer, El Shaarawy demonstrated that money is not the only motivation in football, although Galliani admits it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep hold of or attract similar players to Serie A.

"I think it is more than impossible for a player like Zlatan Ibrahimovic to return to Italy," he said at a charity event. "He has a salary which is not compatible with the Italian league."